Kevin Garnett is a very skilled player, he has proved it all along his career, but sadly, over the years he has really improved his jump shot. Why sadly? Because it has become his go-to move. Game 3 of the finals, proved how much he has fallen in love with his outside shot.
Garnett took his first free-throw of the game in the 3rd quarter, with 7:39 on the game clock. You expect a player with Garnett's physical abilities to make a living on the free-throw line. KG is stronger and quicker than Pau Gasol, and a lot more athletic than Ronny Turiaf, instead of attacking both Lakers big-men on the block, KG elects to roam around the free-throw line, and settle for outside jumpers. KG has an excellent outside shot for a power-forward, probably the best in the league, still, in close and intense games, he should take the ball down low.
In game 1 of the finals, KG was 9-22, but, half of his attempts and shots made were in the key, he took and made 6 FT, and led his team to a victory. In game 3, he was 6-21, 5 attempted shots in the paint (made 3 of them) and only 2 free-throws.
I mentioned the physical superiority of KG against the Lakers defenders. KG is also an excellent passer, surely the Lakers will double team him, freeing up Allen, Pierce and Posey for outside shoots. The Lakers have a dull front-court, Phil Jackson usually plays only three big-men: Gasol, Odom and Turiaf. KG can easily get them into foul trouble and force coach Jackson to extend his bench and play DJ Mbenga (not an offensive force) or move the undersized Luke Walton to the power-forward position.
KG needs to be a lot more aggressive if he wants to win the long waited NBA tittle. He surely is capable of playing this style of play. KG's box score is the main lesson from last nights game, coach Rivers and KG himself need to implement a more physical game Thursday night.
June 11, 2008
May 31, 2008
The Greatest Finals ever!
After a 21 year lay-off, the Celtics are back in the NBA finals, facing their old rivals from the 1980's - the Lakers. Both teams were the #1 seeds in their respective conferences, but the long path to the Finals was not easy, especially for the Celtics. All sports fans, wanted both teams to face one another for the NBA title, not because they are the two best teams in the league, but, because this coming series reminds us all of the great showdowns of the 1980's.
It is hard to compare todays teams to those that played 2 decades ago, not because the game has changed, but because the players have. Todays NBA players are different, they are more money oriented, they play hard for their next big contract and not for the city and franchise they represent. Bird, Magic, Worthy and Mchale played hard, and they were proud to be a Celtic or a Laker. They stayed loyal to their team, never asked to be traded, and ended their great careers on the teams that drafted them. Today, it is rare to see this loyalty, even the great Kobe Bryant, asked to be traded, he was willing to but his purple and gold #24 aside, and leave for a better team. Luckily for him, things ended up turning out all right (a lot thanks to Memphis GM Jerry West whom traded away Gasol to the Lakers).
When the Lakers and Celtics play, I still get the fealing that they are playing for something bigger than money...tradition. Not once have the Celtics players mentioned Red Auerbachs name in pre and post game interviews. Pierce even stated that Red tapped his last minute free throw in during the game 7 against the Cavs. KG had a very touching interview with Bill Russel on ESPN. You could see in KGs eyes how excited and emotional he was to sit in the same room as the Celtice great. KG is a great player, and he is playing to win the title, but you can see that he is also playing for Celtic pride.
On the Lakers, it is a little more difficult to spot the connection between the playes and the teams history. Kobe was very excited to get the Western Conference trophy from Jerry West. Once in a while you do hear the players talking about what it means to be a Laker.
I personally think the Celtics will take the title in 6 games, but for me, even it all the games will end up boring, once again having these 2 great franchises playing head to head for the title excites me.
It is hard to compare todays teams to those that played 2 decades ago, not because the game has changed, but because the players have. Todays NBA players are different, they are more money oriented, they play hard for their next big contract and not for the city and franchise they represent. Bird, Magic, Worthy and Mchale played hard, and they were proud to be a Celtic or a Laker. They stayed loyal to their team, never asked to be traded, and ended their great careers on the teams that drafted them. Today, it is rare to see this loyalty, even the great Kobe Bryant, asked to be traded, he was willing to but his purple and gold #24 aside, and leave for a better team. Luckily for him, things ended up turning out all right (a lot thanks to Memphis GM Jerry West whom traded away Gasol to the Lakers).
When the Lakers and Celtics play, I still get the fealing that they are playing for something bigger than money...tradition. Not once have the Celtics players mentioned Red Auerbachs name in pre and post game interviews. Pierce even stated that Red tapped his last minute free throw in during the game 7 against the Cavs. KG had a very touching interview with Bill Russel on ESPN. You could see in KGs eyes how excited and emotional he was to sit in the same room as the Celtice great. KG is a great player, and he is playing to win the title, but you can see that he is also playing for Celtic pride.
On the Lakers, it is a little more difficult to spot the connection between the playes and the teams history. Kobe was very excited to get the Western Conference trophy from Jerry West. Once in a while you do hear the players talking about what it means to be a Laker.
I personally think the Celtics will take the title in 6 games, but for me, even it all the games will end up boring, once again having these 2 great franchises playing head to head for the title excites me.
May 24, 2008
The NBA Play-off Schedule (2)
I know I wrote about this subject two weeks ago, I can't understand who in the NBA offices is in charge of scheduling the NBA play-off games!
We are deep into the conference finals, both in the East and the West. The teams have one day off between games. This includes the lay-off between games 2 and 3, were the teams make the three hour flight between the two cities. Last night I watched the very "not" entertaining game 2 between the Lakers and Spurs. The aged Spurs were very tiered and were blown out in the second half by the energetic fresh Lakers. The Spurs came off a long series against the Hornets, including a game 7 only four days prior to yesterdays game.
This situation does not improve for the Spurs. After game 2 they flew back to San Antonio, the players arrived home around 4 AM. This leaves them only 36 hours for the players to rest and coaching staff to get ready for game 3. During the NBA season, it is rare that the teams play so many games in so little time.
The NBA finals are scheduled to begin on June 5th. Game 7 of the Detroit-Boston series is scheduled for June 1st and in the West, June 2nd. For the rest of the series, both in the East and both in the West the teams continue to play on 1 days rest. The teams medical staff do everything possible to get the players ready for the next game, but, surely, an extra 24 hours of rest will do the job a lot better.
Why not schedule the games in such a way that the every 2 games, the players get an extra days rest? The series will be longer by 2-3 days, and maybe the finals will begin a day or two later, but we the fans will surely enjoy better, more exciting basketball games.
We are deep into the conference finals, both in the East and the West. The teams have one day off between games. This includes the lay-off between games 2 and 3, were the teams make the three hour flight between the two cities. Last night I watched the very "not" entertaining game 2 between the Lakers and Spurs. The aged Spurs were very tiered and were blown out in the second half by the energetic fresh Lakers. The Spurs came off a long series against the Hornets, including a game 7 only four days prior to yesterdays game.
This situation does not improve for the Spurs. After game 2 they flew back to San Antonio, the players arrived home around 4 AM. This leaves them only 36 hours for the players to rest and coaching staff to get ready for game 3. During the NBA season, it is rare that the teams play so many games in so little time.
The NBA finals are scheduled to begin on June 5th. Game 7 of the Detroit-Boston series is scheduled for June 1st and in the West, June 2nd. For the rest of the series, both in the East and both in the West the teams continue to play on 1 days rest. The teams medical staff do everything possible to get the players ready for the next game, but, surely, an extra 24 hours of rest will do the job a lot better.
Why not schedule the games in such a way that the every 2 games, the players get an extra days rest? The series will be longer by 2-3 days, and maybe the finals will begin a day or two later, but we the fans will surely enjoy better, more exciting basketball games.
May 19, 2008
Boston Celtics
Now that the wonderful series against the Cavs is behind us, we can concentrate on what is ahead, the mighty, rested Detroit Pistons. The Pistons have not played a game for over a week. Off course there are pluses and minuses for the long rest over, the most dominate being that Chauncy Billups overcame his hamstring injury. The Celtics have a lot of hard work ahead of them, and for them to overcome the experienced Pistons, certain players have to pick up their game.
Point guard: Chauncy Billups is a far better defender than Delonte West, Rondo will have a hard time penetrating against Billups' one on one defense. On offense, Billups will take Rondo down into the post, he can score against him fairly easily and if double teamed he can pass it out to the open shooter for a three pointer. The bigger Eddie House and the more experienced Sam Cassel will get a lot more playing time and we will certainly see some of the bigger Celtics guards (Posey and Pierce) guarding the strong Pistons point guard.
Shooting guard: Ray Allen did not show up for the series against Cleveland. It seems like he has lost all his confidence in his outside shot. In game 7 against the Cavs, he even missed some wide open looks. Detroits' shooting guards are better defenders than those of the Cavs. The Celtics have to run some plays and curls to give Allen some open looks and hopefully he will regain his confidence and shooting touch. The defense on Hamilton will surely tier Allen down. RIP is well rested and in excellent shape, he runs, comes of picks and out lasts his defender. Allen will have a hard time guarding him, look very Eddie House and James Posey to do most of the D on Hamilton.
Small forward: Pierce was wonderful in game 7, and look for him to continue his excellent play in the series against the Pistons. Prince is a very good defender, possibly the best in the small forward position. But, Pierce is such a versatile player, he will surely take him down to post and do most of his scoring inside.
Power forward: This is the best match up on the floor. Both Garnett and Wallace are very similar; long players, efficient post up moves and excellent outside shooter. I think KG does have the edge, he is quicker and a better defender. Look for Detroit to mix up the D on KG, Jason Maxeill and Antonio McDyess will give coach Saunders different styles of play against the talented Garnett.
Center: Both teams don't really have a dominate center. The starting centers: Perkins and McDyess are more like Power Forwards playing out of position. No team has an advantage at this position, a lot depends on the big men coming of the bench. Both coaches do not look for scoring from their centers, they get their playing time from good defense, rebounding and hustle plays on both sides of the court.
I think the Pistons have a slight edge over Boston, mainly because of their more dominate Guards. Surely, it will be an exciting series. My prediction, Detroit winning game 7 in Boston and advancing to the NBA Finals.
Point guard: Chauncy Billups is a far better defender than Delonte West, Rondo will have a hard time penetrating against Billups' one on one defense. On offense, Billups will take Rondo down into the post, he can score against him fairly easily and if double teamed he can pass it out to the open shooter for a three pointer. The bigger Eddie House and the more experienced Sam Cassel will get a lot more playing time and we will certainly see some of the bigger Celtics guards (Posey and Pierce) guarding the strong Pistons point guard.
Shooting guard: Ray Allen did not show up for the series against Cleveland. It seems like he has lost all his confidence in his outside shot. In game 7 against the Cavs, he even missed some wide open looks. Detroits' shooting guards are better defenders than those of the Cavs. The Celtics have to run some plays and curls to give Allen some open looks and hopefully he will regain his confidence and shooting touch. The defense on Hamilton will surely tier Allen down. RIP is well rested and in excellent shape, he runs, comes of picks and out lasts his defender. Allen will have a hard time guarding him, look very Eddie House and James Posey to do most of the D on Hamilton.
Small forward: Pierce was wonderful in game 7, and look for him to continue his excellent play in the series against the Pistons. Prince is a very good defender, possibly the best in the small forward position. But, Pierce is such a versatile player, he will surely take him down to post and do most of his scoring inside.
Power forward: This is the best match up on the floor. Both Garnett and Wallace are very similar; long players, efficient post up moves and excellent outside shooter. I think KG does have the edge, he is quicker and a better defender. Look for Detroit to mix up the D on KG, Jason Maxeill and Antonio McDyess will give coach Saunders different styles of play against the talented Garnett.
Center: Both teams don't really have a dominate center. The starting centers: Perkins and McDyess are more like Power Forwards playing out of position. No team has an advantage at this position, a lot depends on the big men coming of the bench. Both coaches do not look for scoring from their centers, they get their playing time from good defense, rebounding and hustle plays on both sides of the court.
I think the Pistons have a slight edge over Boston, mainly because of their more dominate Guards. Surely, it will be an exciting series. My prediction, Detroit winning game 7 in Boston and advancing to the NBA Finals.
May 17, 2008
The NBA Play-off schedule
I have watched all the games during the Play-offs, I have a hard time understanding how the league schedules the different contests. For example: game 6 of the Hornets-Spurs series was played Thursday night, game 7 is scheduled for Monday night. But, game 6 of the Celtics-Cavs series was played Friday night, and game 7 is scheduled for Sunday afternoon! The Hornets and Spurs have a 90 hour layoff between the games to travel the short distance between San Antonio and New Orleans, rest and get ready. While, the Celtics and Cavs have only 40 hours to get ready for the decisive game 7.
We all know that game 7 is "win or go home". 48 minutes of basketball that ultimately decide if the long, grueling NBA season is over, or the team goes on to the next round. This is why we all love games 7's so much!
Teams, especially aging ones like the Celtics and Spurs need the time to heal the aching bodies of the senior players. Surely, the Hornets and Spurs will be fresher come game seven, and ultimately the game played in New Orleans will be the more enjoyable one. David West of the Hornets has a good chance of being fit for game 7, on the other hand, Gibson from the Cavs has no chance of being ready for his game 7. I know he is scheduled to be sidelined for about 1-2 weeks, but, a longer resting period would have increased his chances of playing.
Yes, both opponents rest the same amount of time and by tip-off they are both equally fresh, no team has an advantage over the another. Like I mentioned before, game 7 is very special, the very professional players of the NBA all ways rise up for this exciting occasion. I have never seen a dull and boring game 7, even if the game ends up a blow-out or a low scoring defensive minded game, the encounter is always an electrifying one.
Being a NBA fan, I want the games to be as thrilling as possible. If both the the Celtics-Cavs and Hornets-Spurs would have had a 3 day rest, I think both games, will overall be more exhilarating.
We all know that game 7 is "win or go home". 48 minutes of basketball that ultimately decide if the long, grueling NBA season is over, or the team goes on to the next round. This is why we all love games 7's so much!
Teams, especially aging ones like the Celtics and Spurs need the time to heal the aching bodies of the senior players. Surely, the Hornets and Spurs will be fresher come game seven, and ultimately the game played in New Orleans will be the more enjoyable one. David West of the Hornets has a good chance of being fit for game 7, on the other hand, Gibson from the Cavs has no chance of being ready for his game 7. I know he is scheduled to be sidelined for about 1-2 weeks, but, a longer resting period would have increased his chances of playing.
Yes, both opponents rest the same amount of time and by tip-off they are both equally fresh, no team has an advantage over the another. Like I mentioned before, game 7 is very special, the very professional players of the NBA all ways rise up for this exciting occasion. I have never seen a dull and boring game 7, even if the game ends up a blow-out or a low scoring defensive minded game, the encounter is always an electrifying one.
Being a NBA fan, I want the games to be as thrilling as possible. If both the the Celtics-Cavs and Hornets-Spurs would have had a 3 day rest, I think both games, will overall be more exhilarating.
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